Gained nearly 3 pounds overnight.

[RobertLeTiers]

So. I've been steadily losing weight for a little over a year now. I'm 6' 0" and 218 lbs currently (was 285 lbs in May 2008). Sometime during that period, I stopped exercising and just stayed aroun 230 lbs. for a while, but last month I started hitting the the gym three times a week (I always start off with 30-40 mins. on the elliptical, then do weight training for an hour or so).

So, yesterday the scale pegged me at 215 lbs, but this morning it said 218. Normally I'd just call this a normal fluction (and a small one), but yesterday was one of my cheat days (usually take one of these every two weeks) when I had pizza for dinner. This happened the last time I took a cheat day, too (about two weeks ago, and I was at 215 then 218 then, too, so it's like I just gained back overnight what I lost in two weeks).

Kind of worries me because it makes me feel like I'm sabotaging the whole enterprise, you know? But is it really possible to gain three pounds overnight from one ill-advised meal? Seems odd, but I have no clue, really. Ideas?

 

[NGC_604]

Your weight can fluctuate wildly from day to day due to water retention. I've weighed in almost 5lbs heavier from the previous day even when I was eating healthy. It's better to look at your average weight over a period of time than just one single measurement.

 

[Bateluer]

Yep, water weight. I got 5 to 7lbs due to hydration before summer long runs. And at the end of the run, I drop 10lbs.

 

[angminas]

This is why you don't weigh yourself every day. It messes with your mind. Once a week is plenty unless you have to make weight for a match or fit into a costume or something.

 

[RobertLeTiers]

Originally posted by: angminas
This is why you don't weigh yourself every day. It messes with your mind. Once a week is plenty unless you have to make weight for a match or fit into a costume or something.

Ah, this makes too much sense. Will do.

Also--are there any determining factors with respect to how much water weight is retained each day? I didn't realize it could be so high.

 

[Kipper]

Originally posted by: RobertLeTiers

Also--are there any determining factors with respect to how much water weight is retained each day? I didn't realize it could be so high.

?Sodium intake
?Degree of hydration (over/under - after workouts where fluid balance is affected it can take up to 12 hours or more to normalize)
?Muscle glycogen content
?Supplement use (e.g. creatine)
?Unpassed stool/full bladder
?Fluid content of food

...and on goes the list.